When people think of interns, they think about someone young running around trying to balance five americanos in one hand. While that is true to some extent, that is not all there is to an internship.
This article will cover what the steps you should take before landing your first internship, how you should show up for your role and what to keep in mind as your journey progresses.
What you should know before you land your internship
TIP #1: GET TO KNOW THE BRAND
The best way to impress is to show that you really understand the brand’s values and aesthetic. The more personalized your answers during the interview, the higher your chances of success. This especially helps when it's your turn to ask questions at the end of the interview, which is a standard procedure so be prepared. Do research on the brand and the type of products they create, this will help you find any areas of curiosity.
TIP #2: REACH OUT
Yes, okay, this sounds like common sense, but if you are anything like me, you might try to put off starting an internship unless a “magical” opportunity presents itself before you. Unfortunately, if you want something, you need to take active effort to ask for it. You never know what you are capable of acquiring unless you do, you may find yourself surprised at what you may end up landing. So take that shot, what’s there to lose anyways?
TIP #3: CREATE A PORTFOLIO AND CV THAT IS PERSONALIZED
It is better to gather together work that resonates with a role you intend to pursue. So if you want to be a writer for the brand’s social platforms, send them all the articles or blog posts you have written so far. Whatever project that you are working on which you think may serve beneficial for your future career, do your best to document and save your work. Technically, this blog is a documentation of all the lessons I have learned throughout college.
Congrats you got that role, now what? As you may wonder…
TIP #1: THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM
No matter the occasion, show up way earlier than you expect to be there by. By doing so, you will get the chance to bond with team members. Not only should you show up early, but put in the active effort to ask if you could help with anything in particular.
TIP #2: OVER DELIVER
When you are asked to do something, obviously focus on getting the core of the task done first, then when you find the time, why not add some ornamentation to it? Yes, I am asking you to show off in a sense, show off how competent and hardworking you are. This will help you build goodwill, and a list of people who will advocate for you within the industry. Be excited about upcoming projects, and provide them with any ideas you have to offer…. without overstepping anyone else’s duties of course. It is about showing up as a better version of yourself every single day, not trying to be better than everyone.
TIP #3: BE PROACTIVE
This goes back to the first tip. Constantly be on your toes and imagine anything you could potentially do to support your team. For instance, if you know your team members are developing a campaign, you could offer help to write its copy. This is also beneficial if you have an outline of your yearly duties. Instead of waiting to be told what your next step is, analyze your future tasks, and decide it for yourself.
TIP #4: LISTEN MORE, SPEAK LESS
The core concept of being in an internship is that you are dipping your toes into the ocean of your industry. This entire process is about you constantly learning and evolving. Be the observer who analyzes the work and attitude that circulates you. Ask yourself questions like, “If this type of situation were to occur in my future career, how would I react?”.
These are some tips I gathered along my internship experience. I hope you find a brand that aligns with your values and you gain insight on how your industry operates. Good luck!
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